. >>> so chuck hagel's nomination to become the next defense secretary is in limbo after republicans delayed an up or down vote until congress returns from recess coming up next week. but despite the holdup, hagel's opponents are now conceding he probably will be confirmed. >> i don't believe he is qualified. but i don't believe that we should hold up his nomination any further, because i think it's a reasonable amount of time to have questions answered. >> the obama administration, mean while, pushing back against claims the political fight over the nomination will permanently damage hagel, even if he does get that job. joining me now live from the white house is nbc's peter alexander. peter, it's good to have you with me. in that interview that david gregory did with john mccain over the weekend, it got a little feisty. and i want to play another portion where they talk specifically about was this payback to chuck hagel over something long in the past. >> is that to say, senator, it's payback time for chuck hagel, that's what this process has amounted to? >> of course not. 99% of i